Nordic statement at the commemoration of the International Day of Education
Check against delivery.
Thank you for giving me the floor.
And thank you to UNESCO and the Group of Friends on Education for hosting today’s important meeting and to the panel for an interesting discussion.
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.
Quality education, including early childhood education, is a human right, key to poverty alleviation and one of society’s great equalizers. Education is crucial for the individual, but also societies at large, as a foundation for tolerance, peace, prosperity and sustainability.
Yet we find ourselves in a situation where more than 1,6 billion children have had their education interrupted by Covid-19.
Even before the pandemic the world was facing a serious global learning crisis. Too many children were out of school and many of those who were in school were not learning. The global food and energy crisis following the invasion of Ukraine has only exacerbated the challenges brought on by the pandemic. It is now estimated that more than 70 per cent of all children living in low- and middle income countries cannot read a simple sentence by age 10. That is more than 2 out 3 children - a staggering number who risk never getting the fundamental skills to learn, to develop and realize their potential for the benefit of their family, community and country.
The Transforming Education Summit was a crucial opportunity. But it was only the beginning. Now we must ensure that we take action and seize the opportunity. As we commence the implementation of the commitments made at the Summit there are especially three points that we would encourage member states and stakeholders to consider.
1. Gender Equality
According to UNESCO global estimates, 129 million girls are currently out of school. In countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. Once girls leave school, far too many never return.
Education has the power to transform. Also when it comes to gender equality. An educated girl has a better chance of increasing her income compared to girls with no education. Education can protect girls from child marriage, gender-based violence and unwanted teenage pregnancies. We see quality education, including comprehensive sexuality education, as an essential tool for developing equal societies where all genders, thrive and have equal rights and opportunities.
2. The Digital divide
During the pandemic, we saw the gap widen between the children who had access to technology and support by their parents and teachers, and those who did not enjoy these assets. In 71 countries, less than half the population has access to the internet. We must ensure that the digital revolution does not widen divides, but instead gives every person the opportunities, and benefits offered by these innovative tools.
We therefore encourage a strong focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable groups are not excluded in access to digital learning, skills and technology and that solutions are adapted to reach those furthest behind.
3. Climate
The third point we would like to raise is climate. Climate change and environmental degradation impact access and quality of education. Through increased migration, through poverty and through malnutrition; as well as through the direct impact on school infrastructure. We will not achieve SDG 4 (Quality Education) if we do not assure that children affected by climate crisis can continue their education.
But Climate change does not only affect education delivery. The relationship goes both ways - as education is essential to climate change prevention, mitigation and emergency preparedness. Quality education enables children and their families to make informed choices and to become part of the climate change solution.
In conclusion, education is the best investment a society can make. The cost and consequences of failing to invest in education far outweigh the cost of investing in education – measured in unrealized dreams and untapped potential, slower growth and widening inequality.
We must ensure that every child can realize their right to education, wherever they are, regardless of their circumstance and gender.
Thank you.
Thank you for giving me the floor.
And thank you to UNESCO and the Group of Friends on Education for hosting today’s important meeting and to the panel for an interesting discussion.
I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country Denmark.
Quality education, including early childhood education, is a human right, key to poverty alleviation and one of society’s great equalizers. Education is crucial for the individual, but also societies at large, as a foundation for tolerance, peace, prosperity and sustainability.
Yet we find ourselves in a situation where more than 1,6 billion children have had their education interrupted by Covid-19.
Even before the pandemic the world was facing a serious global learning crisis. Too many children were out of school and many of those who were in school were not learning. The global food and energy crisis following the invasion of Ukraine has only exacerbated the challenges brought on by the pandemic. It is now estimated that more than 70 per cent of all children living in low- and middle income countries cannot read a simple sentence by age 10. That is more than 2 out 3 children - a staggering number who risk never getting the fundamental skills to learn, to develop and realize their potential for the benefit of their family, community and country.
The Transforming Education Summit was a crucial opportunity. But it was only the beginning. Now we must ensure that we take action and seize the opportunity. As we commence the implementation of the commitments made at the Summit there are especially three points that we would encourage member states and stakeholders to consider.
1. Gender Equality
According to UNESCO global estimates, 129 million girls are currently out of school. In countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. Once girls leave school, far too many never return.
Education has the power to transform. Also when it comes to gender equality. An educated girl has a better chance of increasing her income compared to girls with no education. Education can protect girls from child marriage, gender-based violence and unwanted teenage pregnancies. We see quality education, including comprehensive sexuality education, as an essential tool for developing equal societies where all genders, thrive and have equal rights and opportunities.
2. The Digital divide
During the pandemic, we saw the gap widen between the children who had access to technology and support by their parents and teachers, and those who did not enjoy these assets. In 71 countries, less than half the population has access to the internet. We must ensure that the digital revolution does not widen divides, but instead gives every person the opportunities, and benefits offered by these innovative tools.
We therefore encourage a strong focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable groups are not excluded in access to digital learning, skills and technology and that solutions are adapted to reach those furthest behind.
3. Climate
The third point we would like to raise is climate. Climate change and environmental degradation impact access and quality of education. Through increased migration, through poverty and through malnutrition; as well as through the direct impact on school infrastructure. We will not achieve SDG 4 (Quality Education) if we do not assure that children affected by climate crisis can continue their education.
But Climate change does not only affect education delivery. The relationship goes both ways - as education is essential to climate change prevention, mitigation and emergency preparedness. Quality education enables children and their families to make informed choices and to become part of the climate change solution.
In conclusion, education is the best investment a society can make. The cost and consequences of failing to invest in education far outweigh the cost of investing in education – measured in unrealized dreams and untapped potential, slower growth and widening inequality.
We must ensure that every child can realize their right to education, wherever they are, regardless of their circumstance and gender.
Thank you.